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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

Fever drives enhanced activity, mitochondrial damage in immune cells

Researchers found that fever temperatures increase helper T cell metabolism, proliferation and inflammatory activity, while causing mitochondrial stress, DNA damage and cell death in a specific subset of Th1 cells. These findings may explain how chronic inflammation contributes to cancer development and suggest a fundamental way cells ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024

How can we make the best possible use of large language models for a smarter and more inclusive society?

The article discusses the potential benefits and risks of large language models (LLMs) on collective intelligence and proposes recommendations for action. LLMs can increase accessibility and accelerate idea generation, but also pose risks such as undermining motivation to contribute to collective knowledge commons.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 20, 2024

New data science tool greatly speeds up molecular analysis of our environment

A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2024

Revealing the neuronal pathways involved in adaptive decision-making in primates

Researchers found that distinct brain pathways from the orbitofrontal cortex are necessary for experience-based and knowledge-based adaptation. The findings have implications for understanding individual differences in thinking styles and may lead to personalized strategies for improving decision-making skills.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024

Korea University study reveals potential effects of uterine artery embolization on subsequent deliveries

A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalHuman Reproduction Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2024

Self-supported film catalyst with CNTs and Ni-Ni(OH)2 heterostructure for activated HER

A self-supported film catalyst with CNTs and Ni-Ni(OH)2 heterostructure has been designed for activated hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), exhibiting excellent performance in alkaline solution. The catalyst showed outstanding catalytic properties, including a low onset overpotential of 0 mV and steady overpotentials.

New tool to help decision makers navigate possible futures of the Colorado River

A new computational tool, FRNSIC, developed by Penn State scientists can help decision-makers explore possible futures of the Colorado River and identify consequential scenario storylines. The tool uses exploratory modeling to investigate a large number of plausible future conditions and classify relevant storylines for stakeholders.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Schottky junction catalysts boost hydrogen production with non-precious metals in water electrolysis

A team of researchers from Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology developed two active Schottky junction electrocatalysts using a targeted doping and interfacial coupling strategy. These catalysts exhibit stable hydrogen evolution reaction activity and high selectivity for oxygen evolution under alkaline medium, achieving effi...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Samples from Huanan Seafood Market provide further evidence of COVID-19 animal origins

A new study provides further evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, likely originated from animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. The analysis of genetic data found that wildlife species such as raccoon dogs and civet cats were present at the market and may have carried the virus.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Researchers publish breakthrough study on how new genes evolve

Researchers propose a new model for understanding how new genes can originate through the recycling and innovation of ancestral genes. A study on antifreeze proteins in fish reveals that similar proteins evolved independently from different genetic sources, demonstrating convergent evolution and protein sequence convergence.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2024

A holistic perspective on Earth system science

The study of Earth system science aims to understand mutual transmission and coupling relationships between geospheres and subsystems at various scales. The field focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological interactions between different geospheres, and its globality and unity with a holistic view are key characteristics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 19, 2024

Low-carbon ammonia offers green alternative for agriculture and hydrogen transport

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a low-carbon approach to producing ammonia, which is used in fertilizers and as a carrier for hydrogen. The new method uses liquid metal catalysts, reducing energy consumption by 20% and carbon emissions by 98%. This could significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and sup...

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Size matters: bioinformatics accurately detects short, fat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to assess the shapes, sizes, and other physical features of bacteria based on microscope images. The results showed that antibiotic-resistant strains were fatter or shorter than their parental strains, especially those resistant to quinolone and β-lactams.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Scientists identify a unique combination of bacterial strains that could treat antibiotic-resistant gut infections

Researchers have identified 18 beneficial bacterial strains that suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and alleviate inflammation in mouse intestines. The strains compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients, promoting a healthier intestinal microbiome and potentially treating antibiotic-resistant gut infections.

Origami paper sensors could help early detection of infectious diseases in new simple, low-cost test

Researchers at Cranfield University have developed an innovative method for identifying biomarkers in wastewater using origami-paper sensors, enabling early detection of infectious diseases. The new test device is portable, fast, and cost-effective, making it a game-changer for public health measures.

SourceCranfield University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Vegans’ intake of protein and essential amino acids is adequate but ultra-processed products are also needed

Researchers found that Brazilian vegans' diets consisted mainly of unprocessed foods, with a significant reliance on ultra-processed proteins like textured soy protein to meet their protein needs. The study's findings contradict the stigma surrounding veganism and its ability to provide adequate nutrition.

Searching for a vaccine against an ancient scourge

Researchers have conducted the largest genomic survey of the syphilis bacterium to date, correlating genetic data with clinical information to identify potential targets for a vaccine. The study found differences in bacterial strains between continents, but also similarities that suggest a global vaccine could be effective.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Arbitrarily rotating polarization direction and manipulating phases using programmable metasurface

The team proposes an approach for arbitrarily controlling the polarization direction and phases of reflected waves in linear and nonlinear ways using a stacked programmable metasurface. They achieved high polarization rotation ranges and demonstrated applications in imaging, data storage, and wireless communication.

Sweet success: genomic insights into the wax apple's flavor and fertility

A recent study has successfully decoded the autotetraploid genome of the wax apple, uncovering its genetic evolution and key factors driving fruit diversity. The research highlights the fruit's rich antioxidant profile, with implications for human health, and identifies genes regulating fruit size, sugar content, and male sterility.

Scientists at the CNIC discover an unexpected involvement of sodium transport in mitochondrial energy generation

Researchers at the CNIC found that respiratory complex I possesses sodium transport activity essential for efficient cellular energy production. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and may have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

Unlocking the secrets of tea's healthful compounds: phosphate and jasmonate's role

A recent study reveals how phosphate signaling and jasmonate pathways interact to regulate catechin biosynthesis in tea plants, influencing both economic value and health benefits. The findings highlight the importance of understanding molecular mechanisms governing catechin production under varying nutrient conditions.